Defense facilities in MD

All-Caliber Soft Recovery and Vertical Firing Positions

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Recovery capability that allows study of launch effects (setback) on munitions and fuze components such as oscillators, amplifier sections, batteries, and rear fittings

Ammunition Assembly Plant

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Ballistic Range

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Ballistic Test Site Terminal

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Blast Sphere Test Facility (BSTF)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Developmental Firing Range at Wallops Island

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Accelerated Corrosion Complex

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Amphibious Testing

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Automotive Tilt Table

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Bridge Crossing Simulator

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Bridge Test Sites

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Churchville Test Area

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Advanced Ceramics Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

The Advanced Ceramics Laboratory is a comprehensive ceramics synthesis, processing, and characterization laboratory. Ceramics processing capabilities include traditional powder preparation and shape-forming equipment, as well as isopressing, injection molding, hot pressing, and slip casting. Advanced techniques include hot-isostatic pressing and a chemical vapor deposition. Heat treatment and oxidation equipment includes 1,700 degrees C air furnaces and graphite or carbon-element 3,000 degrees C inert-atmosphere/vacuum furnaces.

Fire Safety Test Enclosure (FIREBOX)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Fire Survivability Facilities (Poverty Island Range Complex)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Fire Tolerant Materials Laboratories

West Bethesda, MD

The Fire Tolerant Materials Laboratories have the capability to assess shipboard fire safety performance with small-scale tests for candidate shipboard materials for such properties as flame spread, smoke generation, heat release, and products of combustion; includes NIST and Factory Mutual calorimeters and analytic equipment.

Intermediate Fire and Environmental Laboratory (IFEL)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Marine Coatings and Corrosion Engineering

West Bethesda, MD

Army Test Incident Reporting System (ATIRS)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Data Collection and Calibration Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Data Collection and Calibration Facility consists of the Test Operations Analysis and Control Center (TOACC) and the Calibration Laboratory. The TOACC supports the acquisition and reduction for all testing at this site. This facility consists of independent, computer-controlled data acquisition and analysis systems, which are responsible for the monitoring and interpretation of data from tests located throughout the Philadelphia location. The Calibration Laboratory provides the Fleet with efficient, affordable machinery health monitoring, cost effective predictive maintenance and maximum system readiness and operation and qualified enlisted personnel through on-site training.

Inspection and Evaluation Facility (Nondestructive Testing)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Multimedia Production

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Ship Virtual Prototyping Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

This facility provides the resources to merge the technologies and concepts of modeling and simulation, simulation based acquisition, integrated product and process development, and acquisition reform, in order to develop innovative ships with significantly reduced total ownership costs. Just as the Navy hosts leading edge PHYSICAL testing facilities, this Navy leading edge VIRTUAL testing/prototyping facility will allow Government and industry, designers and warfighters, to establish requirements, and conceive, build, test, fight, train, and cost multiple options before finalizing a design.

Shock Trials Instrumentation

West Bethesda, MD

Data recording systems specifically designed for installation on board ship for collecting data during a shock trial. Each unit is a 40-foot long by 10 foot wide by 10 foot high, shock isolated and EMI shielded container. Each unit can be transported to the recording site by dedicated trailer, installed on the ship under going test and provide data collection and analyses for the shock trial. This instrumentation capability is internationally known to be second to none. This capability is used extensively by NAVSEA under a special MOU between SEA 03 and NSWCCD.

Advanced Shipboard Machinery Development Facility

West Bethesda, MD

This facility is dedicated to the test and evaluation of reduced scale and full scale advanced naval propulsion and auxiliary systems, equipment, and enabling technologies. It comprises laboratories for the development, rapid prototyping, and demonstration of: advanced turbomachinery, refrigeration and ventilation systems including collective protection systems, shipboard hydraulics systems and equipment, seals and bearings, composite machinery, submarine shaftline components, and small diesel engines. It also houses a test area to conduct cyclic displacement and pressure fatigue tests of piping and piping components.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Test Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Test Facility supports Surface and Undersea Vehicle Auxiliary Systems and Components T&E;, Acquisition, ISE, Environmental and Logistics. Materials and Processing RDT&E; for surface and submarine ship classes. Materials and components investigated at these facilities include: alternative CFC’s, air conditioning and refrigeration, ventilation, oxygen generation and air purification systems for surface ship and submarines.

Boiler Components Test Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Boiler Components Test Facility supports surface machinery propulsion auxiliary machinery system and component RDT&E; and In Service Engineering for numerous ship classes. Typical components and/or tests performed include: combustion optimizers for fuel efficiency, gas analysis systems for environmental compliance considerations, smoke indicator systems, burner systems, control systems, fuel oil control valves, strainers, fuel oil pumps, boiler water level indicating systems and newly designed boiler refractory.

Cargo/Weapons Elevator Land Based Engineering Site

West Bethesda, MD

The Cargo and Weapons Facility consists of a suite of full scale and component test facilities contiguously located in building 77H. The site was constructed in 1987 to address and solve the technical problems encountered from the diverse population of these systems in the Fleet (i.e., over 600 different types of elevators, 21 different capacities, 250 different designs and 64 different manufacturers). It includes: a full scale, 6 story Cargo/Weapons Elevator Land Based Engineering Site, a vertical package conveyor test site having three shipboard type conveyors, temperature and humidity controlled machinery, electrical control and power unit rooms and modular layout to facilitate shipboard configuration and other testing that is cost prohibitive at sea.

Combatant Craft Department

West Bethesda, MD

The Combatant Craft Department (CCD) has performed full life-cycle and full-spectrum support for combatant craft and boats from its facilities located in the Hampton Roads area since 1967. With facilities near the largest and most varied inventory of DoD and boats and craft in the United States, CCD supports the U.S. Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Special Warfare/Special Operations, Air Force, Coast Guard, and other DoD and non-DoD activities including private industry.

Electrical Power Technology Facility

West Bethesda, MD

This laboratory supports the development of advanced shipboard machinery control and electric power distribution and solid state conversion technology. It contains multiple sources of electrical power (single or three phase voltages under 600 volts, variable frequency from 60 to 400 Hz, and direct current up to 900 volts) to simulate and test various ship system conditions for solving fleet problems with new equipment or technology. Among the diverse uses of the laboratory are: development of advanced power generation and distribution components; system performance assessment; computer simulation of large machinery systems and development of control algorithms; development of advanced sensors and instrumentation; development of advanced power conversion topologies and advanced semiconductor device application up to several hundred kilowatts; development of submarine power-conditioning equipment for improved power quality and reduced submarine radiated noise; development of high power and pulsed power distribution systems and components; and development of innovative electrical distribution system or component designs for reduced noise. This facility is also used to assess advanced technical capabilities for meeting future Navy weapon system needs.

Ballast Tank

Annapolis, MD

The ballast tank is used primarily by naval architecture students for the study of ship stability. Several large ship models are used to perform inclining experiments, and to experimentally determine righting arm curves for both intact and damaged conditions.

Circulating Water Channel

West Bethesda, MD

The Circulating Water Channel is used for flow visualization and to show the flow around thrusters, propulsors, rudders, and appendages. Other novel uses include modeling smoke and exhaust gas flow around the superstructure and deck of a ship. An oil spill from a ruptured tanker hull section has been modeled using lubricating oil mixed with dye. Details of smoke spreading inside a hull have been visualized using a dye technique modeling density differences of the dyed water in a clear plexiglass model hull. Scale fishing nets have also been tested. Commercial uses of this facility include maritime shipping industry, fishing industry, and oceanographic engineering applications.

Fatigue and Fracture Laboratories

West Bethesda, MD

The Fatigue and Fracture Laboratories are an extensive facility for characterization of low-temperature fracture, dynamic fracture, low-cycle and high-cycle fatigue and fatigue crack growth properties. It consists of five major areas of equipment and instrumentation: computer-interactive servo-hydraulic fracture and fatigue test systems; high load, variable-stiffness computer-interactive fracture test systems; dynamic fracture servo-hydraulic test systems; dynamic fracture impact towers; and thick weldment low-cycle fatigue test systems.

Large Scale Grillage Test Facility

West Bethesda, MD

This facility is capable of exerting up to 5,000,000 pounds of axial in-plane load (tension or compression) and up to 25 psi uniform lateral pressure onto a large/full-scale orthogonally stiffened plate. The facility is capable of testing grillage structures with dimensions of up to 8 ft wide and 24 ft long.

Marine Coatings Laboratories

West Bethesda, MD

The Marine Coatings Laboratories are an extensive facility consisting of a paint formulation and application lab, a paint test and evaluation lab, and a biosurface analytical lab; capable of formulating and manufacturing paints, coatings and adhesives, and analyzing and evaluating these materials for input into design guidance, specifications, and manuals.

Marine Corrosion Control and Evaluation Laboratories

West Bethesda, MD

The Marine Corrosion Control and Evaluation Laboratories consist of the aqueous corrosion and electrochemical labs; environmentally assisted cracking lab; marine corrosion analysis lab; low-velocity burner rig lab; and a small-scale high-temperature lab. They provide the capability of testing materials in a simulated gas turbine environment, conducting corrosion research, metallurgy failure analysis, and electrochemical testing of Navy seaborne materials.

Climatic Simulation Facilities/Capabilities

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Compressed Air System Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Compressed Air System Facility is a one-of-the-art test facility capable of conducting full-scale system and component testing. Systems tested include high-pressure air systems, low pressure vital and non-vital air systems, electronics dry air systems, submarine ballast blow air systems and Electronic Cooling Water Systems. Component testing includes high and low pressure air compressors, reducing valves, dehydrators, moisture monitors, air control panels for radar wave guides, chill water system refrigerant controllers, chill water heat exchangers for demineralizer systems, duplex strainers, flow switches, and temperature regulating valves.

Deep Submergence Pressure Tank Facility

West Bethesda, MD

This facility contains pressure tanks that are designed to provide the Navy and Maritime Industry with the capability to evaluate structures, components and systems in an environment that simulates as nearly as possible the ocean depths. These pressure tanks are some of the largest in the world for their size and pressure ratings. The spherical, 10 foot diameter, 10,000 psi tank is the only tank in the U.S. that is certified for explosives operations by NAVSEA for at-depth shock testing of models and components.

Dive Team

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Fox Island Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

The laboratory provides a unique, shallow water, protected marine environment well-suited for support of research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E) projects for the Navy's Deep Submergence Program. This support includes conducting ocean engineering experiments, operational evaluation of naval vehicles and equipment, and training in the use of equipment. The laboratory also supports RDT&E projects involving: surface and subsurface navigation and tracking systems, remote underwater vehicle performance, specialized underwater tools; and operations and logistics support for fleet training and exercises.

Maneuvering and Seakeeping Basin (MASK)

West Bethesda, MD

The Maneuvering and Seakeeping Basin is unique within the Navy, and is used to model the full scale motions of ships, platforms, and mooring systems in waves. In this facility, engineers evaluate the maneuverability, propulsion, dynamic stability, and control of surface ships and submarines in waves and smooth water at various headings. The MASK is used in measuring model motions, accelerations, control surface deflections, hull strains, and wake characteristics at a wide variety of simulated sea states through a radio-controlled surface and submarine model capability. The facility is also used for capsizing tests and slamming studies.

Clothing and Individual Equipment Test Areas

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Footwear Durability Course

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Handwear Course

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Health Physics Team and Radiochemistry Laboratory

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Human Factors and Air Flow Test Facility

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Human Factors Engineering (HFE) Mobile Data Acquisition System

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Various analytical techniques are utilized to identify and quantify the chemical composition of samples from various sources. The analysis employs standard methods from analytical and environmental chemistry.

Chemical Synthesis

Indian Head, MD

Indian Head has over 100 years of experience working with energetic chemicals and materials. Our customers therefore benefit from the technical expertise derived from decades of successful energetic materials research. This assures quality products, manufactured in a safe and cost-effective manner.

Depleted Uranium (DU) Containment Facility (SUPERBOX)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Electrochemical/Battery Laboratories

West Bethesda, MD

The Electrochemical/Battery Laboratories include chemistry labs for the study of basic materials and processes in electrochemical cells; a controlled atmosphere dry room for work with moisture sensitive materials; a thermal analysis laboratory; and special facilities for the evaluation of batteries under normal and abusive conditions such as discharge, charge, short circuit, high and low temperature, etc.

Environmental Chamber High Temperature High Humidity

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Reverse Osmosis Test Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Reverse Osmosis Test Facility supports system and component testing of advanced concepts of sea water desalination. The facility fully replicates the new generation of naval desalinators being selected for the majority of new ship construction efforts, as well as for fleet backfit installations. Continual industry developments related to membrane technology, as well as industry improvements to key RO features such as sea water filtration and high pressure pump designs, make the need for the test site indispensable to the navy T&E community.

120 foot Towing Tank

Annapolis, MD

This tank is the workhorse of the Laboratory facilities. Ship models up to about six feet in length can be tested for seakeeping and resistance properties, and the tank is used extensively for demonstrations, midshipmen projects, and for research. The dual-flap wavemaker at the end of the tank is similar to the wavemaker in the 380 foot tank. Wavemaking techniques developed here can be reproduced in the larger facility. The tank is equipped to demonstrate constant force (gravity tow) and constant velocity (powered carriage) test methods. Data from the model are transmitted by a cable to recording equipment or to a networked computer workstation for processing.

380 foot Towing Tank

Annapolis, MD

Large models can vastly improve full scale predictions made from certain types of model tests. Ship models up to 25 feet in length can be tested in the Laboratory's 380 foot towing tank. This tank is equipped with two towing carriages, a dual flap wavemaker, a planar motion mechanism for maneuvering experiments, fans for simulating over-water winds, and has a high speed test towing capability. A drydock allows the set-up of underwater (submarine) experiments while the tank is in use for other tests. A host computer facility is contained within the control room. The computer is used to control the wavemakers and is used to process data. Control signals and data are transmitted between the carriage and the control room by a fiber optic cable system. Additionally, a self contained computer workstation on the towing carriage can be used to acquire and analyze experimental data.

Coastal Engineering Tank

Annapolis, MD

Ocean engineering students use this facility to study the effects of wave action on coastlines and coastal structures. The L-shaped tank is equipped with a wavemaker. Breakwaters, jetties, groins, and harbors can be designed, and their effectiveness evaluated. A moveable bridge structure serves as an observation platform, and as a mounting surface for instrumentation. The Laboratory also includes equipment for the study of the basic principles of soil mechanics as applied to coastal sediments. The tank is currently subdivided with a main test section, 52 ft long and 18 ft wide, containing a solid beach at a 1 to 10 slope.

David Taylor Model Basin Building

West Bethesda, MD

These three Towing Basins are used for a wide variety of hydrodynamic tests including: resistance, self-propulsion, static stability in calm water, open water propeller characterizations, self-propelled model steering maneuvers, unsteady propeller blade force measurements, wake surveys, knot-meter calibrations under simulated dynamic conditions, vertical and horizontal planar motion experiments, hydrodynamic forces on submerged bodies, foils, etc., towed body experiments, and longitudinal wave cut experiments. The High Speed Basin is used to measure hydrodynamic forces on hydrofoils, planing boats, and other high speed craft operating in calm water and in waves. The water level in the Shallow Water Basin can be varied to simulate rivers, canals, and restricted channels.

Rotating Arm Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Rotating Arm Facility is used to measure hydrodynamic forces and moments and perform captive-model stability and control and propulsion experiments on surface ships, towed bodies, unmanned underwater vehicles, swimmer delivery vehicles, submarines, and torpedoes. Surface models up to 30 feet in length and submerged models up to about 22 feet can be tested in a controlled environment over a wide range of angles of attack and drift. Angular velocities can also be controlled. The forces and moments on the hull and appendages are required for accurate mathematical models. Commercial applications for this facility include maritime shipping industry and oceanographic engineering applications.

Water Channel

Annapolis, MD

The circulating water channel is used for flow visualization, measurement of force and pressure distribution on submerged bodies, and propeller thrust and torque measurement. The test section has a free surface, and pressure can be varied from +6 psi to -12 psi. This allows demonstration of cavitation effects on propellers and hydrofoil sections.

Acoustic Research Detachment

West Bethesda, MD

The Acoustic Research Detachment (ARD), Bayview, Idaho, on Lake Pend Oreille, is used for research and design validation using quarter-scale models of methodologies to reduce acoustic signatures on ships. Lake Pend Oreille is a large, deep, and extremely quiet body of water, ideal for acoustic testing. ARD encompasses the Large Scale Vehicle, a quarter-scale fully-autonomous submarine, used for propulsor research and submarine maneuvering studies; the Intermediate Scale Measurement System (ISMS) used to conduct research in acoustic radiation and target strength of submarines; the flow-noise haul-down facility used to conduct research on the impact of fluid flow over and about submarine hulls; and, a facility to test the high speed flow induced noise of towed arrays.

Anechoic Flow Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The facility has two areas in which measurements can be made: a nine foot long closed jet test section of eight feet square cross section, and a 21 foot long open-jet test section surrounded by an anechoic chamber of 21 foot square cross section. The maximum air speed in the facility is 200 feet per second. Noise generated at full speed is less than that of conversational speech. Models up to 20 feet may be mounted in the facility. Commercial uses for this facility include the automobile and aircraft industries as well as environmental applications.

Machinery Acoustic Silencing Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

This laboratory consists of three large anechoic/quiet rooms with isolated floors containing facilities for the measurement and characterization of low-level airborne, fluidborne, and structureborne generated noise of full-scale shipboard machinery. The large scale machinery anechoic chamber has a 3900 square foot test area and a 50 foot high ceiling; floor loading is 700 pounds per square foot. The total test area of three rooms exceeds 14,000 square feet. Programs to develop quiet machinery technology and prototype hardware for all classes of submarine and surface ships are supported by this laboratory. Research and development is conducted for quiet pumps, fans, ventilation and fluid systems, valves, mounts, electric motors and generators, and other machinery components and systems.

South Florida Testing Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The South Florida Testing Facility is a fully instrumented test range that encompasses a Shallow Water Acoustic Range; a Shallow and Intermediate Depth Electromagnetic Range; a Forward Area Combined Degaussing and Acoustic Range; and an area with deep and shallow mine fields. The area has extensive current and temperature measurement probes that allow full environmental definition. The facility supports submarines, surface ships, the mine community and oceanographic research

Southeast Alaska Acoustic Measurement Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Southeast Alaska Acoustic Measurement Facility (SEAFAC) is the Navy’s only West Coast asset for making high fidelity passive acoustic signature measurements. SEAFAC includes directive line arrays, data collection and processing systems for real-time data analysis and signature evaluation.

USNS HAYES

West Bethesda, MD

The USNS HAYES is the Navy’s sole East Coast asset for making high fidelity passive and active acoustic signature measurements on submarines. HAYES includes high gain measurement arrays, data collection and processing systems for real-time data analysis and signature evaluation. HAYES is equipped with the Navy’s only certified Target Strength measurement system and a towed array that can be used for long time data collection of submarine emanating noise sources.

Biotechnology Laboratories

West Bethesda, MD

The Biotechnology Laboratories provide expertise and facilities for studies in environmental microbiology, molecular biology, biosensors, and materials-microbe interactions. It includes equipment and capabilities in microscopy (transmitted and reflected light, epifluorescence, autoscan, photomicroscopy), protein/enzyme purification and characterization, protein patterning, genetic analysis, gas and liquid chromatography, microbial characterization and identification, image analysis, biodegradation & biodeterioration analysis, and microbiological monitoring.

Dosimetry Laboratories

West Bethesda, MD

The Dosimetry Laboratories are dedicated to all aspects of the Navy’s personnel dosimetry program. A gamma radiation range provides calibration and quality assurance to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the system. Gamma, beta, and x-ray radiation as well as mono-energetic neutrons produced from a 3MeV tandem positive ion accelerator are available for dosimeter calibration. Complementary laboratories are used to investigate the fundamental optical properties of materials for potential use in dosimetry as well as development, testing, and evaluation of prototype dosimetry badges and their accompanying electronics.

Energetics Technology

Indian Head, MD

The Energetics Technology Division is the premier center for energetic technology innovation that takes emerging concepts and applies novel design techniques to develop and field new energetic products. Systems include conventional and non-traditional warfare applications across the full spectrum of energetic competencies. The division sustains and nurtures a workforce possessing the critical talents necessary to function as national stewards for energetic technology.

Magnetic Materials Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

The Magnetic Materials Laboratory has a variety of instruments to measure magnetic properties, e.g., magnetostriction and magnetization as a function of magnetic field with forces as high as 100,000 pounds applied. A vibrating sample magnetometer can measure magnetization from cryogenic temperatures to above room temperature.

Metrology Laboratory

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Subsonic Wind Tunnel

West Bethesda, MD

The 8- by 10-foot Subsonic Wind Tunnel located at the Carderock Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center was designed for maximum flexibility in mounting and testing a wide variety of models. The tunnel specializes in the support of naval ship technology, but it serves all branches of the U.S. Navy, the Department of Defense, other Government agencies, and industry in almost every type of experiment in which the mechanics of fluids are of interest. Studies include turbulence in the airwake behind ships; performance and stability of air, water, and surface vehicles; and the effects of wind on static structures.

Diesel Engine Development Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Diesel Engine Development Facility includes three major sites: the Diesel Engine Test Facility (DETF), the LSD-41/49 Propulsion Support Facility; and the FFG-7 Ship Service Diesel Generator (SSDG) Land Based Engineering Site. The DETF is designed to test two diesel engines up to the 4,000 HP range, and can also accommodate gasoline engines, smaller gas turbines, gearbox testing, and other propulsion and power generation prime mover or auxiliary type equipment. The LSD-41/49 Propulsion Support Facility simulates the complete LSD-41 Class ship starboard propulsion plant. This test and engineering site consists of two Colt Pielstick PC2.5 propulsion diesel engines, a shipboard reduction gear, and all associated engine, reduction gear, and controllable pitch propeller controls. The FFG-7 Class SSDG is a duplicate of the unit that is in service in the fleet. It consists of a Detroit Diesel 16V149 turbocharged, intercooled diesel engine, a Reliance Generator, and a Garrett Start-Air Compressor.

Gas Turbine Development Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Gas Turbine Development Facility consists of the DDG-51 LBES and Intercooled Recuperated (ICR) Gas Turbine Facility. Prominent in usage is the DDG-51 LBES since the ICR site is planned (completed awaiting testing) for the Navy’s future marine gas turbine development. The DDG-51 site consists of two GE LM-2500 marine gas turbines and associated auxiliary equipment configured as engine room #2 in the AEGIS Arleigh Burke Destroyer Class. This site became operational in 1989 and is used in a variety of components and system oriented tests that include integration testing of propulsion machinery (reduction gears, lube oil systems, air systems, water systems) as well as machinery control and data acquisition and information systems.

Large Cavitation Channel (LCC)

West Bethesda, MD

The Large Cavitation Channel is a vertical plane, closed recirculating 1.4 million gallon, variable speed, variable pressure, channel with lower half submerged in 2.5 million gallon water filled trench, plus numerous other acoustic treatment features, 6:1 contraction ratio, aeration/deaeration system, filter system (5-micron), temperature control, stainless steel shell, models mounted on large removable test top, low turbulence (0.1%). High speed capability up to 50 ft/s. Large test chamber with 10 ft by 10 ft cross-section and a 13.1 m (43 ft) working length. Pressure in the LCC test section ranges from less than atmospheric to four times atmospheric pressure, the equivalent of water approximately 100 feet deep.

Small Gas Turbine Test Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Small Gas Turbine Test Facility houses a broad range of equipment that support small to medium gas turbines up to 10,000 hp and gas turbine marine aerosol/separator intake systems. This facility is designed to accommodate rapid response testing for emergent Fleet problems as well as to test and validate design modifications (e.g., exhaust diffusers, foreign object damage screen, exhaust gas turbine limiter, carbon and ceramic seals, electronic sequencing unit, flexible fuel manifolds, air movement control, air conditioning, particulate monitoring).

Steam Propulsion Support Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Steam Propulsion Support Facility supports Surface and Undersea Vehicle Propulsion, Auxiliary Systems and Components, T&E, Acquisition and ISE, and Logistics, Materials and Processing RDT&:E for numerous ship classes, which include over half the fleet. These facilities consist of condensate and feedwater systems, evaporators, seawater, fuel and water purification and storage systems, and a compressed air system for controls. Materials and components investigated at this facility include surface ship and submarine main propulsion equipment, auxiliary equipment, generator sets, and boilers.

Steam Propulsion Test Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Steam Propulsion Test Facility was developed to be an integrated, cost effective alternative to shipboard testing. Systems evaluated at this facility include surface ship and submarine main propulsion, auxiliary equipment, generator sets and main boilers. The system is capable of supplying one million pounds/hour of superheated or saturated steam to major turbine or component test sites. This facility also has the capability to supply feedwater at 1500 psi, cooling water capability of 180,000 gpm flow and 500,000 hp heat rejection.

Energetics Manufacturing Technology Center

Indian Head, MD

Energetics include propellants, explosives, pyrotechnics, and reactive chemicals are critical to the performance and reliability of all weapon systems and, therefore, crucial to our Nation's defense. Applications include missile and rocket propulsion, stores separation, warheads, mines, mine/obstacle countermeasures, flares, decoys, fire suppression, and aircrew escape.

Experimental Fabrication Facility

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Instrumentation Development

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Mission Support Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Mission Support Facility provides the industrial facility support (machinery and personnel) for machinery and support system fabrication. This includes structural, piping, high and low pressure welding, instrumentation, electrical and machinery installation/alignment.

Welding Process and Consumable Development Laboratories

West Bethesda, MD

The Welding Process and Consumable Development Laboratories are a complete welding capability consisting of an Arc Welding laboratory (welding process development; weld simulation; weldability evaluation; and welding sensors and robotics); and a Welding Consumable Development laboratory (electrode production and wire fabrication prototype; flux evaluation; and moisture evaluation).

Advanced Electrical Machinery Systems Facility

West Bethesda, MD

This facility supports concept development and evaluation of advanced high current density low noise electrical machines - conventional, permanent magnet, and superconducting - for naval applications. Included are laboratories for the research, design, rapid prototyping, experimental development, analysis and testing of electric propulsion systems up to 7 megawatts; advanced fiber brushes; cryogenic refrigeration systems; liquid conductive cooling equipment; superconducting materials and magnets; and high-current switchgear, fabrication technology, and high-power electronics. Laboratory space is also provided for the collection and analysis of electrical machinery thermal performance, and for the analysis of electric machinery structural dynamics.

Magnetic Fields Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

This laboratory is used to develop and analyze algorithms, procedures, and processes to reduce the vulnerability of US Navy surface ships and submarines to electromagnetically actuated ordnance and detection systems. Separate facilities allow for the testing of scaled physical magnetic models of ships and submarines up to 12 feet long and weighing 500 lbs. as well as full-size on-board electrical machinery as large as 20 x 10 x 10 feet and weighing 40 LT. These facilities are capable of producing very uniform background magnetic fields that can replicate the magnetic environment for anywhere on Earth and space using magnetic field feedback stabilization systems. The laboratory includes a three axis coil capable of deperming the electrical machinery. Deperming fields of 50 Oersted in the longitudinal direction and 20 Oersted in the transverse and vertical directions can be generated. The laboratory has been used by other agencies to magnetically test guided missiles and satellites.

Signature Measurement Test Facility

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Transducer Calibration Laboratory

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Fuel Cell Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

This laboratory is devoted to the test and evaluation of fuel cell power plants for naval surface and undersea applications. It consists of a 900 square foot NFPA Class 1 Division 1 Group B hazardous-atmosphere rated test chamber, with an adjacent assembly/checkout laboratory and a test control room. The laboratory is designed for testing up to 2.5 megawatts of power generated from fuel cells and for interconnection with nearby electrical or mechanical laboratories to form an integrated system. Additional supporting facilities include 2000 square foot outside storage, NFPA Class C hazardous-atmosphere rated fume hoods, and reactant gas storage facilities. Dedicated computer-controlled instrumentation, including a gas chromatograph and on-line gas analyzers, and video recording equipment are available for testing fuel cells and fuel-reforming hardware.

Generator Test Facility

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Mobile Generator Test System

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Power Generation Test and Evaluation Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Power Generation Test and Evaluation Facility consists of the CG-47 SSGTG Test Site, the Electrical Test Site and the Integrated Power System (IPS) Land Based Engineering Site. The CG-47 SSGTG Test Site provides the dual capability of testing a CG-47/DDG-51 Class Gas Turbine Generator (SSGTG) set and 60Hz, 400Hz, and Direct Current electrical distribution system and components for the entire fleet. The Electrical Test Site is utilized for testing shipboard electrical power generation, distribution, conversion and control equipment for conformance to applicable specifications, suitability for intended use, reliability and maintainability. The Integrated Power System Land Based Engineering Site has been constructed to test the IPS system architecture and operational performance characteristics to determine the system viability as a future propulsion and ship service system.

HM&E; Systems Live Fire Test Facility

West Bethesda, MD

This facility, located at the Aberdeen Test Center, is designed for the testing of energized HM&E systems subject to live ordnance effects. The facility includes a main test building and a data acquisition and control bunker. It is currently used to support the research, demonstration and evaluation of piping, communication, and electric power systems designed for improved survivability, fight-through and reduced manning.

Joint Warfighter Range Complex

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Machinery Automation and Controls Facility

West Bethesda, MD

This facility comprises laboratories for the concept development, modeling and prototyping, computer simulation and evaluation of automated chilled water systems for the purpose of reduced manning; and for the demonstration of autonomic operation and reconfiguration of surface combatant auxiliary air systems. It also includes a laboratory for the development, testing and evaluation of advanced sensors (conventional, fiber optic, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), and ultrasound), control and electronics hardware and software.

Radar Imaging Modeling System (RIMS)

West Bethesda, MD

The Radar Imaging Modeling System (RIMS) is a mobile, coherent, step chirp instrumentation radar system capable of making calibrated radar cross section measurements in the S, X, and Ku bands at both horizontal and vertical polarizations. The system is housed in a van that can be moved to any location. The system is reconfigurable with a comprehensive collection of antennas that can be used for large combatants, small craft and small experimental models.

Research Vessel Lauren

West Bethesda, MD

The Research Vessel Lauren is a converted WWII PT craft that simulates a full-scale combatant. It is reconfigurable and can be used to test shaping and materials concepts for RCS and IR signature reduction prior to committing to full-scale installation.

Tracking Radar

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Aircraft Vulnerability

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

External Air Transport

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Environmental Chamber No. 4

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Environmental Chambers No. 2 and 3

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Industrial Technology Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

A collaborative ship system concepts and architecture development facility with industrial partners focused on HM&E systems that are large contributors to current surface ship total ownership costs. In addition, the lab is the center for joint development with industry and academia of next-generation automation and robotics hardware/software for both industrial and Fleet applications.

Manufacturing Technology Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

A joint development with industry and academia of next-generation automation and robotics hardware/software for both industrial and Fleet applications.

Industrial X-Ray Facility

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Infrared Thermal Imaging

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Naval Medical Research Unit 3 Cairo, Egypt

Silver Springs, MD

NAMRU-3 conducts infectious disease research in support of Department of Defense (DoD) force health protection in the Middle East, Southwest Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. NAMRU-3 contributes to U.S. Government relations through cooperative research agreements in Egypt and other areas in the region. The research programs at NAMRU-3 are closely integrated to maximize resources. Each year all DoD research laboratories are externally reviewed. In this past year, NAMRU-3 was ranked number two among the eight DoD infectious disease laboratories, and number one among the overseas laboratories, an achievement that reflects the high level of research and unique opportunities available to research scientists at NAMRU-3. NAMRU-3 has a fully-accredited AAALAC animal facility.

NMRC Detachment Lima, Peru

Silver Springs, MD

NMRCD's mission is to identify infectious disease threats of military relevance in Peru and surrounding countries in the South American region, and to determine the most effective means to assess, monitor, diagnose, prevent and treat these diseases to minimize their impact on the war fighter's operational capabilities. All NMRCD research sections conduct surveillance for emerging diseases in collaboration with local efforts and to develop the capability to detect and control effectively and prevent these diseases.

Environmental Protection Laboratories

West Bethesda, MD

The Environmental Protection Laboratories are used for investigation of processes, operations, and systems designed to abate shipboard-generated liquid, solid, and gaseous discharges; allowing the development and evaluation of pilot-plant size discharge processing, full-scale waste treatment, solid and plastics waste disposal, and thermal destruction hardware and systems; and for hazardous materials reduction and pollution prevention.

Network Integration and Fiber Optics Facility

West Bethesda, MD

The Network Integration and Fiber Optics Facility provides an important land based verification/validation, research and development, design, integration, installation and maintenance engineering, and fleet support and training asset. The facility supports both active and network system-level connectivity and fiber optic component-level test and evaluation.

Surface Ship Systems Survivability (S4) Test Site

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Warfighter Training Range

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD